want2race

I grew up in Tucson. I used to go to the Pima club before it moved to the other side of the mountain. Pretty sure it's the same club. Of course, I was in high school at the time and not involved in IPSC yet. I've been up to the range in Phoenex too, there are a TON of clubs between those two cities. Welcome to the forum. I did the same fact finding too before heading out to my first match. Mainly just to see what division to shoot and what gear I needed. I also read both rule books (USPSA and IDPA) so I knew which direction I wanted to go.

It's worth the switch in my oppinion. I fit mine, 3 hours with a dial caliper and two files. If you want to try it, I'm sure you can find somebody (see earlier link) that can do it for you.

Yep, already on Verizon. I'll see what the availability looks like.

They are on my youtube channel, want2race441 Sight picture, barney up as required, insert mag, holster, press on ear plugs, adjust glasses, adjust hat, repress ear plugs, make sure the gun is still there in the holster...then assume the appropriate position...then repress the earplugs, adjust glasses, adjust hat, nod I'm ready. I don't know why, it's just what I do.

Man...this means I have to get a Droid now. I've been wanting one since they came out but don't want to pay the data fee. Oh well, when the X comes out looks like I'll be standing in line.

Who does it for $110? Great price. I've done quite a few by hand. I use a Jig from Brownells, a 20LPI file, a 60* needle file and patience. Also have to make sure the front strap is straight and true first, otherwise you'll be chasing it around trying to get points on every pyramid. Of course, I crop the tips off when I'm done. Super pointy 20lpi checkering is only good for magazine articles. Most people say to cut the verticals first, I don't. I like to do the shorter cross cuts first, then the long verticals after.

I squatted while shooting the first high one, shot both low ones, then from the squat shot the last high one.

One more vid. 3 light strikes on one stage, bad. It was a super fun match. Really fun stages, I like stages with many different ways to shoot them. Congrats to Chris and the other division winners. This was an easy match to over shoot. I saw bags on targets in Chris' video, we didn't have bags but we did have some heat on saturday. Not sure which is worse. Thanks to all the staff. I love theme matches too. Last year AC/DC, this year Dirty Harry...I can't wait to see what's next.

This was 5 shots, 20 yards, rested. Indoor range with digital distance display, hanging target. I usually like to use outdoor ranges with target stands that are braced if I'm looking to eek out every ounce of accuracy. I used 20yards instead of 25 because the lighting was better. The trick I found for good group shooting at 20,25 and 50 is to find the right target. With this square, I can line up the front sight consistantly to the same point of aim (bottom right corner of the square).

another vid

45B's don't slug barrels. There are no gauges for the M9 other than trigger pull. If there is a problem, replace part. If that doesn't work, F code it and send it off. The Army ties the hands of the Armorers. TACOM has a saying about small arms inspections..."fire till failure". That being said, other than a batch of bad mags that got out a while ago and locking block failures it's not a bad pistol. Then again, it has the wrong grip angle (LOL)... If properly serviced they last way longer than they should. I don't like them, but if that's all you're given you have to adapt.

Unservicable barrel. I've shot 4" groups at 50y with standard issue (servicable) M9's. If they're maintained, they are "ok".

I ran around 145pf .40 and tuned my mags and gun to lock open on empty. Gun MUST run 100%, there is just no time to make it up. I loaded 600 rounds 3 days before the match and I looked at every single powder charge and primer before calling the ammo "good". I've had gun/mag issues at this match in the past and did not want any this time. "Match starts at the reloading bench", as I've been told. Sounds like Seiichi and I are on the same practice schedule...lol

B class, Production. I quickly moved to Limited and my Production classification still stands at a B percentage. Haven't gone back to Prod in the last 3 years. That is fixin to change...

The ProAm is my favorite match of the year. It's like Nationals for me since I can't make it to Vegas. I love the format, it has a very different strategy than a normal USPSA matches. Phil, as always, did a fantastic job this year. This was my 3rd year and I'm still learning the strategy. I watched video of KC shoot "Which way Xactly", unreal. The prize table is always great, actually the best I've ever seen with my own eyes. Having it covered by Shooting USA is great too. I'll be emailing those guys to thank them for enduring the heat to cover the match. It's awesome to watch it on TV after having shot the match. Thanks to the staff for doing their job with a smile. I could feel their pain when they showed me a .31 on the timer. I'll be back next year for sure. Next time, I get to shoot for money.

With a SS I might add.

Was it installed stock? Not blessed with a file? Not jacked up with a file? Are both springs in place? I run one only, usually in the rear location. What caliber?

I fit one to my Limited gun about 3 weeks ago. It took me 3 hours to fit it, taking my time with a file. As per B.Keigans suggestion, I fit it to slip on with the same effort as my plastic grip. The key ways are tight to the frame (front to back) but the top of the grip (sides) don't flex out when I slip the grip on the frame. I also had to lower the front shelf above the trigger guard, the flat surface between the magwell and very front of the grip). The grip wasn't installing high enough for me to install the bushings easily. I didn't want any springing, or flex when it slipped onto the frame. After ProAm my plan is to have it hard anodized and see if this may increase longevity. Looking at the blue ano'd grip, I can still see the machining marks on the inside of the grip (inside/top). My grip wouldn't even start on the frame until I matched the inside width to the frame width. Now I'm curious where I can install some Sims vibration dampers... I do like the way it shoots so it's worth it to me.

I second Nemo's post in the other thread. NOVAK cut base please. I don't care if I have to modify the existing Novak cut, but the current adjustables don't have a straight blade.

That can be half the fun of it. Trying to find that "perfect gun" for you. What's so much fun about constantly changing stuff? Find a gun that works, doesn't jam, and practice practice practice. And I see you shoot a stock 2011 with whatever spring rate STI put in it. I test to continue my edjucation, not just for my own shooting benefit. As a gunsmith I get questions all the time about what a different set up or part will or won't do. If I haven't done it, tried it or seen it personally my opinion wouldn't be based on anything substantial.

I've gone beyond flat. I'd never seen one and wanted to try it. I like it. I've tried going back to flat and didn't like it. I've been shooting one for a couple of years now. Very small contact patch for trigger finger. It looks funky but it works and when people try it they usually like it. Here's one I put in a friends stroker build.

I was just told saturday to quite looking for the magic "arrow" since I've just installed the 3rd barrel in my 6" gun since building it. I've tested springs, firing pin stop plate radii, different barrel weights (bull/light bull/bushing), plastic vs. aluminum grips, smaller STI magwell vs ICE magwell etc. I won't know the results until I try it so I test different set ups. It all boils down to: I love shooting a light 6 inch gun.

You can also try changing how far away the gun is from your chest. Closer vs further. Changes the elbow angle.

I can't believe there are really that many "healthy" eaters on here. Really? Man, where's the "last nights pizza and a diet Mt.Dew" people? Sometimes the local matches don't generate the same jacked up mental status as the big matches for me. I used to boost my metabolism (energy drink) before locals, now I can do it all in my head. I shoot better just short of hyperventilating from adrenalin. At least it's more fun that way. I take a decongestant on occasion depending on my sinus status. The Ephedra you can get at gas stations is about the same is the the behind the counter nose faucet pills, just WAY more expensive.

I must have one of "those" grips too. LOL. Great posts on this topic btw.